About

In the course of my extensive personal journey with depression and addiction, I have come to a critical realization: the current paradigm of recovery from mental health conditions is fundamentally deficient in providing the necessary structure and resources for sustainable wellness. It is my contention that the majority of mental health issues are not isolated phenomena, but rather the product of an individual's immediate environmental factors—namely, their familial relationships, vocational circumstances, and broader societal context.

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To articulate this more precisely, psychologically robust individuals do not spontaneously develop mental illnesses; rather, it is the environmental milieu that "sculpts" an individual into a state of neurosis. Consequently, those grappling with mental health challenges face a significant obstacle: they cannot hope to achieve lasting recovery without cultivating a microcosm of mental wellness within a larger societal framework that often perpetuates psychological distress.

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My perspective is informed by a wealth of firsthand experience, as well as a strong scientific background. I hold a BS in Microbiology with a Chemistry Minor, and have accrued a decade of industry experience in Biotechnology and Medical Devices. This scientific training has enhanced my analytical approach to understanding mental health and recovery. Additionally, I have undergone numerous therapeutic interventions, including no fewer than 15 residential programs addressing both addiction and mental health, typically followed by extensive outpatient treatment. In my quest for community and support, I have engaged with a diverse array of recovery groups, encompassing various 12-step programs, Refuge Recovery, and SMART Recovery, among others. Despite these efforts, I have yet to experience that profound sense of belonging often described by others in these venues. While I do identify with fellow individuals struggling with addiction, I consistently perceive a subtle incongruity within these environments.

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In light of these experiences, I have embarked on an experimental endeavor with this website. I have adopted the online persona of Galen Godot—a nom de plume that pays homage to both the ancient healer and Samuel Beckett's enigmatic character. Through this platform, I intend to maintain a regular blog, offering analysis and insights into the challenges and potential solutions for mental health issues at both individual and societal levels. Additionally, I plan to keep a journal, aiming for raw authenticity in the hope of achieving catharsis through the veil of anonymity.

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Furthermore, I am exploring an innovative approach to recovery by utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT as a guide. This unconventional method stems from my mixed experiences with traditional sponsorship models. While I anticipate that an AI might offer advice similar to that of a knowledgeable sponsor or therapist, I hypothesize that the absence of human judgment may mitigate the avoidance behaviors I've experienced in the past when confronting my own neurotic tendencies.

It is crucial to emphasize that this approach is intended to supplement, not replace, the care provided by licensed mental health professionals. I strongly advocate for the guidance of qualified therapists as a cornerstone of mental health treatment. This platform serves as an additional resource and exploration of alternative support methods.

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It is worth noting that while current LLM technology may not be fully equipped for such a task, I bring a unique perspective to this experiment. I have recently spent six months working freelance in training LLMs, which has given me valuable insights into their capabilities and limitations. This experience, combined with my scientific background, informs my approach to using AI as a supplementary tool in mental health support. I believe I have devised a potential workaround to leverage these technologies effectively in this context.

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I invite you to join me on this journey, to bear witness to this experiment, and to engage with the content as it unfolds. Your continued visits and support are most welcome and appreciated.